James Edward "Vandy" Vandergrift
August 7, 1933 - October 9, 2011
James Edward "Vandy" Vandergrift, age 78 of Anderson died at his residence Sunday, October 9, 2011 following an extended illness.
James was born August 7, 1933 in Anderson to George Howell and Goldie Mae (Hessler) Vandergrift.
He was a utility man for 41 years at Delco Remy before retiring in January of 1993. He worked 25 years at Implement Service, Inc. retiring in 1996 and he worked at Car Quest until 2009.
He was a member of First Baptist Church; Mt. Moriah Masonic Lodge #77 of the F. & A. M.; Daleville Masonic Lodge # 730 where he was past master in 2005; Indianapolis Valley of the Scottish Rite; Indianapolis Murat Shrine Club; Madison County Shrine Club where he was past president of the Desert Patrol (Daleville) and Eastern Star # 568.
He loved camping, wood working and his 1962 Convertible. He loved spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Ladonna Jean (Basicker) Vandergrift whom he married in Anderson on October 14, 1954; 3 children: Karen (Alan) Hoopingarner, Neal (Brenda) Vandergrift and Mark (Beth) Vandergrift all of Anderson; 11 grandchildren: Tony (Carey) Vandever; Tami (Shawn) Swearinger; Jason Vandergrift; Christopher (Julie) Vandergrift; Leslie (Greg) Skaggs; Lindsey (Brian) Burris; Ryan (Samantha) Hoopingarner; Stacey (Eric) Holtzleiter: Christy (Eric) Bevans; Benton James Vandergrift; 13 great grandchildren; brother: Don (Donna) Vandergrift of Fishers; sisters-in-law: Marilyn Vandergrift of Anderson and Jane Vandergrift of New York; special friends: Glen & Georgia Hoopingarner; several nieces & nephews;
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bob and Dick Vandergrift and in-laws Ross and Esther Basicker.
Funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 13 at 10:00 A.M. at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service with Dr. Art Jaggard officiating. Burial will be in Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery with Graveside rites by V FW Post 266 Honor Guard. Friends may call Wednesday from 4-8 P.M. with a memorial services at 7:30 P.M. by Daleville Masonic Lodge # 730.
Memorial Contributions may be given to Madison County Shrine Club.
Special thanks to Heartland Hospice especially Jennifer, Tammy and Tonya for all of their loving care and support.
E-mail condolences may be sent to [email protected].